During the holidays, we can easily be a target for crime as we become distracted with the stresses and obligations that often accompany holiday preparations. While we want to enjoy the celebration of the season, we also want to be mindful of the safety and security of our property and ourselves. Below is a list of safety tips that can help reduce your chances of becoming a holiday crime statistic.
HOLIDAYS AWAY FROM HOME:
• Lights and timers - change light bulbs just before leaving on your trip. Set lights, TV, and other electronic devises on timers so they go off and on throughout your house to mimic your routine when you are home.
• Notify a trusted friend or neighbor - leave an extra set of keys and an emergency phone number where you can be reached. Have them pick up mail, newspapers and flyers, take trash in and out, open and close drapes, whatever helps to make your house look occupied.
• Please don’t forget to lock your doors, garage doors, windows, and sliders.
IDENTITY THEFT:
• Use only one credit card to make all on-line purchases. Do not give more information than is absolutely necessary to place the order. Monitor receipts and statements closely. Immediately report suspicious or unusual statement activity. DO NOT use an ATM card to make on-line purchases. It is your financial life.
• Do not place anything with personal information in the trash. Crosscut shred all mail correspondence, bills, and credit card offers, anything that can be used to obtain your personal information.
• Clean out your wallet or purse. Remove any unnecessary credit cards, debit cards, your Social Security card, and other unneeded documents that could compromise your identity if lost or stolen while shopping.
SHOPPING:
• Plan your day; know where you are going and what you are doing. And let a friend or family member know your plans.
• Carry a cellular phone and have emergency phone numbers available.
• If you are carrying large amounts of money, separate your money into the amounts needed and place them in different pockets.
• Park directly under lights and as close to the entrance doors as possible. Do not burden yourself with packages in the lot. Drive to the entrance and have the packages delivered to your car. Most shopping centers offer this service, especially during the holidays. Don’t forget to lock up your car doors and windows.
• If you must leave items in the car, place them out of sight. If placing them in the trunk, do it prior to your arrival. Placing items in the trunk just before leaving your car is an open invitation to any observer with criminal intent.
• Carry only what you need to make your purchases - your ID, cash, a checkbook, and one or two credit cards. Do not flash cash - Be cautious about how you handle your money and credit cards, and carry these items close to your person, in a hip pack or in your front pants pocket. Leave backpacks and large purses at home.
• The safest way to shop on the Internet is to use a credit card. It is a good idea to use the same one for each of those transactions. If you use a debit card or a check card, it can expose your bank account to theft. Debit and check cards are not protected by federal law to the extent that credit cards are.
CHARITABLE GIVING:
Many frauds and scams use Law Enforcement, Fire, Paramedics, diseases or disorders as their focus to play on your sympathy, passion, or patriotism in order to get money from you, especially during the holiday season.
• Question phone calls or requests by mail or Internet, soliciting donations for a “worthy cause”.
• Research their legitimacy before committing. Ask for information to be sent to you. Ask how they got your name and number.
• NEVER make a “right now or never” or “once in a lifetime opportunity” decision. Legitimate organizations are proud of their cause, and will gladly provide you with as much information as you need to rally you to their organization’s cause. They welcome donations any time of year.
• You’ve heard it before - If it sounds too good to be true, it is. If it’s free, you can’t afford it.
CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY FOR THE HOLIDAYS
A Christmas tree purchased from a lot or cut on a tree farm can remain relatively fire resistant if you follow these simple steps:
• Cut 2-3 inches off the bottom of a fresh tree and put the tree in water immediately. This prevents the sap from forming off the cut and allows the tree to absorb the water. Use a sturdy holder and fill with water daily.
• Check lights carefully for broken sockets or frayed wires before you put them on your tree. Replace any strings that look damaged.
• Keep your tree away from heat sources, such as a fireplace or heaters, which will dry it out.
• Unplug the tree lights and any outdoor lights when you go to bed or leave for the evening.
• Do not burn wrapping paper or tree branches in your fireplace.
• Dispose of your tree right after the holiday is over.
TUSTIN POLICE/FIRE EMERGENCY 9-1-1
NON-EMERGENCY/DISPATCH: (714)-573-3225
POLICE BUSINESS LINE: (714)-573-3200
